| Hip-Hop began as a movement of Black culture in the Bronx in the late 1970s. In the Bronx, the conditions for African Americans were horrible. Many suffered from murder, rape, gang violence and drug abuse. In response to these conditions, young, smart, and talented African American men united to form a cultural movement based on resisting and stopping racism in their communities./ In recent years, Hip-Hop has become more commercialized. Advertisers and corporations have distorted the culture's symbols and values, evolving Hip-Hop into a movement based on fear and animosity. Today, Hip-Hop artists and producers glorify violence, drugs, sex and money. Rap artists and record producers are making money off of negative images about young Black men and women. Do I think Hip-Hop is dead? In some ways yes and other ways no. First, Hip-Hop is dead because today's generation does not know how it began. Therefore, young African Americans do not know how to respond to the music's use of derogatory and sexist language against women of all races. Somehow, young African Americans have embraced rap music as the new Hip-Hop. Second, no matter if it's dead or not, Black people will always be scrutinized by different groups in society. For example, young Black men remain under constant supervision by store owners, managers, teachers and police officers. The question I have for readers is this: Do the current portrayals of young, Black men in videos perpetuate stereotypes about the behavior of young Black men? It is important for young people today to have open and honest discussions about these issues in Hip-Hop. Places like the Boys & Girls Club of America can help with homework, dealing with stress and and keeping young kids off the street and from joining gangs. These clubs can also help young people cope with the violent sexuality and explicit abuse in music videos. Hip-Hop culture has impacted my life even though I do not embrace the mainstream movement's music, language, violent nature and style. Society will always judge me because of who I am and what I stand for. I am a strong, smart and courageous young Black man. I was never born a nigger. I believe it is wrong for rap artists and my brothers to use the N word because it is outward disrespect for my ancestors. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Bobby Seale, one of the entrepreneurs of the Black Panther Party. In his speech, Mr. Seale talked about how media portrayed him as a "thug." Today, the media equates rappers to criminals and thugs. Consequently, Black men are not portrayed as positive, uplifted, smart unique individuals. In conclusion, my research into this topic revealed that the Black community can still be respected without using negative images in rap music. Additionally I learned that I deserve to be respected, honored and trusted. This means that I am going to try my hardest to finish high school and go on to college. Karay Reynolds is a student of a mentoring class VMAMM (Volunteer Mentor African American Man), at West High School's Afro-Centric Pedagogy Project developed by Ms. Tenia Jenkins, a retired teacher from Malcolm Shabazz City High School. |
| Is Hip-Hop dead? By Karay Reynolds |
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